WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN FOSTER CARE?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
WHY WORK WITH LEVY LAW?
- Proven Record of Settlements
- No Fees Ever Unless You Win
- Fast & Free Case Review
- Consultation is 100% Confidential
MICHIGAN FOSTER CARE SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Michigan Foster Care & Group Homes
At Levy Konigsberg, we are committed to giving survivors a voice and demanding accountability from those who failed them. We have expertise in cases involving sexual abuse in foster care. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse in a Michigan foster care home or group home, contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Justice starts with your story, let us help you take the first step.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Child Sexual Abuse in the Michigan Foster Care System
Sexual abuse perpetrated against children in the Michigan foster care system has been documented by various investigations and high-profile lawsuits over the years.
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In December 2023, four foster parents from Michigan were charged with several counts of child abuse involving eight children in their care.
- In April 2019, Mark Sorensen, former foster parent, was charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a foster child.
- In March 2018, William Easterling Jr., a former foster parent, was charged with sexual abuse for allegedly convincing a 16-year-old boy and another minor, aged 13 to 15, to record and send videos of themselves masturbating.
- In August 2016, Jackie Lee Pittman, a former Macomb County Adoption Board member and foster parent, was charged with sexual abuse for allegedly having inappropriate contact with a minor.
- In February 2008, a report described the failures of Michigan’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to protect children in foster care. The report examined five cases where children in DHS custody died, some from extreme abuse. The report highlighted several systemic problems, such as a lack of a dedicated child welfare division, unqualified leadership, mishandled abuse investigations, misleading or unreliable data, too few caseworkers, and children being placed in unlicensed foster homes without proper safety checks. These alleged failures reportedly led to Michigan’s foster care maltreatment rate being 2.5 times higher than the federal standard.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES
We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if you were sexually abused in a foster care home.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under Michigan law, a person who was the victim of a sex crime may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation. A sexual abuse case must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is the timeframe within which a survivor can file a civil lawsuit. Under Michigan law, survivors sexually assaulted under the age of 18 may have until age 28 to file a lawsuit. To understand the statute of limitations for your case, it's essential to consult with an experienced lawyer. At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys specialize in handling both childhood sexual abuse cases and adult sexual abuse cases. We can assess the merits of your potential case and determine how the Michigan statute of limitations specifically applies to the facts of your case.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at any Michigan foster home.
We are here for survivors of sexual abuse in foster care—listening, supporting, and fighting for justice. Every child deserves safety, and we are committed to holding those who failed them accountable while working toward a future where no child has to endure such pain.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.